A departmental GST audit is a critical process for ensuring businesses adhere to GST regulations. This article presents a comprehensive checklist to guide businesses through a GST audit, covering various aspects of the process.

Legal Provisions:

• The Commissioner of CGST/SGST or an authorized officer can conduct a GST audit on a taxpayer.
• The taxpayer receives a Notice in Form GST ADT-01(Rule 101(2)) at least 15 days before the audit.
• The notice specifies the audit period (e.g., F.Y-2017-18, 2018-19), which starts after the taxpayer’s first submission.
• Information about the designated person for coordination with the GST department must be provided.
• The audit should conclude within 3 months from the audit’s start, with the option for a 6-month extension.
• The GST Officer can perform the audit at the taxpayer’s business location or office.
• After reviewing the taxpayer’s books and independent findings, the auditor issues an observation letter.
• The taxpayer responds with proper explanations and evidence against the observations.
• Based on the response, the officer issues a draft audit report followed by a final audit report (ADT-02) within 30 days.
• If tax discrepancies are found, the officer can take action under Section 73 or Section 74.

Audit Checklist for Sales (Outward):

• Verify turnover reconciliation between Profit and Loss and GSTR9.
• Record GSTR3B and GSTR1 months in the outward register for each invoice.
• Reconcile books with GSTR3B, GSTR1, and GSTR9 data.
• Maintain Eway bill records for sales and IRN details for sales invoices.
• Include details of Export sales with Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC).
• Document payments made under Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM).
• Ensure accuracy of Fixed Asset (FA) sales, matching FA Schedule and asset deletion.
• Keep track of additional income sources like scrap sales and interest.
• List credit notes with references to original invoices and applicable amendments.
• Maintain records of invoices or credit notes filed in subsequent years with interest implications.
• Document ISD or cross-charge invoices, including workings for Intra and Inter-company transactions.
• Note details of services imported from related parties.
• Reconcile 27Q data with outward register, particularly for RCM on foreign payments.

Audit Checklist for Purchases (Inward):

• Reconcile books with GSTR3B and GSTR9 data for purchases.
• Note GSTR3B month against each invoice in the inward register.
• Keep records of payment dates for purchase invoices, ensuring compliance with the 180-day rule.
• Obtain certificates from vendors for invoices not filed in GSTR1 but with GST liability paid.
• Verify imports and reconcile bill of entries with GSTR2A data.
• Review and address block credit or ineligible Input Tax Credit (ITC).
• Reconcile ITC availed on Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) and related liability payments.
• Analyze General Ledgers (GLs) subject to RCM, ensuring compliance.
• Calculate ITC reversal for businesses engaged in both taxable and exempt supplies.
• Scrutinize details of goods lost, personal consumption, gifts, etc., and apply necessary ITC reversals.

Documentation:

• Maintain copies of invoices for both purchase and sales transactions.
• Preserve self-generated invoices related to Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) and Cross Charge.
• Archive copies of GSTR9, GSTR9C, GSTR1, and GSTR3B for the audit period.
• Retain financial records for the relevant fiscal year.
• Store a copy of 27Q, a form for TDS under Section 195 of the Income Tax Act.
• Safeguard copies of forms 15CA, 15CB, and 3CEB, which are required for certain financial transactions.

Conclusion:

A thorough understanding of legal provisions and a comprehensive checklist are crucial for a successful departmental GST audit. Following the outlined checklist for sales, purchases, reconciliations, and proper documentation ensures businesses maintain compliance and experience a smoother audit process.

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